There's not a much worse sign out there of vehicle trouble than your ride being driven away by a much larger vehicle. Aside from, maybe, breaking down. Vehicle towing sucks. Plain and simple. It's what happens when your ride becomes undrivable and the shop or junkyard is the next destination. Luckily, working with a professional towing service means that the right tools and techniques are being used to ensure that your ride is being transported without causing further damage.
However, there's always the case where you, A) don't want to pay, wait, or use a towing service, and B) only have a relatively short distance. This is where DIY towing comes in and it's a completely different experience. If you're still bent on doing this one yourself, Toyota of Clermont is here with some tips you'll want to keep in mind before getting started and while doing it.
Tips to Ensure Your DIY Vehicle Towing Goes off Without a Hitch (lol)
Towing your vehicle isn't an easy task and it's even more difficult when you do it yourself. Before you get too ahead of yourself, check out these tips:
Prior to putting the ride you plan on towing on 2 wheels, take a moment to make sure the vehicle you're towing with is larger and more capable. It should be a Clermont Toyota pickup truck or larger SUV that's capable of handling several thousand pounds on the vehicle towing hitch.
The vehicle being towed should have absolutely no one in it. It's both illegal and extremely dangerous. Cargo vehicles can come loose and collide with other drivers or objects so it's best to not allow anyone to ride in the vehicle. Make sure everyone has a ride arranged or that the vehicle you're towing with has plenty of interior space for your passengers.
DIY vehicle towing should be done with the right equipment if you're aiming to be safe and mitigate any potential damage. We at Toyota of Clermont recommend using a flatbed trailer or dolly trailer to get the job done. If you don't have either one of these, make sure to use a sturdy rope or chain setup and only go a short distance.
Now That You're Moving, Some More Tips!
Now that you have the right equipment and setup for some DIY vehicle towing, it's time to get going! But, there are a few more things you should keep in mind while towing your Clermont Toyota vehicle anywhere.
Take it Easy with the Brakes
Have you ever hit the brakes too quickly and felt yourself fly forward in your seat (thank god for seatbelts)? This is due to the momentum your car collected while traveling at high speeds. Imagine tacking on a trailer to the back of your ride and then hitting the brakes quickly? While doing some DIY vehicle towing, make sure to apply the brakes on your Clermont Toyota car gradually. This will ensure a controlled stop and keep you from getting into an accident.
Drive Slowly
In conjunction with going easy on your Clermont Toyota brakes, you should also give yourself more stopping distance and time to slow. Ergo, slow down and increase your distance from the vehicle in front of you. This will make all the difference when it comes to close calls.
Make Sure You Have Your Trailer Lights On
Vehicle towing means that your taillights will be completely blocked. That means drivers behind you won't be sure if you're stopping or turning. Make sure your Clermont Toyota vehicle is equipped with a vehicle light connector or you get accessory lights to attach to the vehicle you're towing.
Need more tips? Visit Toyota of Clermont for all your DIY towing needs at 16851 State Road 50 today!
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